Video: Chef: Educational Requirements for Becoming a Professional Chef

Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a professional chef. Get a quick view of the requirements and details about degree programs, job duties, and certification to find out if this is the right career for you.

Chef: Educational Requirements for Becoming a Professional Chef

Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a professional chef. Get a quick view of the requirements and details about degree programs, job duties, and certification to find out if this is the right career for you.
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Essential Information

High school diploma or equivalent; certificate, associate and bachelor's degree available

Degree Field(s)

Culinary arts or related field

Certification

Optional certification from the American Culinary Federation

Experience

Professional kitchen experience; apprenticeships available

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)*

9% growth (for chefs and head cooks)

Average Salary (2015)*

$45,920 (for chefs and head cooks)

Source:*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Professional chefs prepare and cook food, and supervise other culinary professionals in the kitchen. They may work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, private residences and a variety of other food-service settings. Although most chefs enter the occupation through entry-level positions and work their way up with training and experience, some complete some postsecondary education programs in the culinary arts.

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Professional Chef Educational Requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professional chefs usually start out in the kitchen as line cooks or other lower-level workers (www.bls.gov). With experience, they may progress to more advanced positions and eventually become chefs. While education is not strictly required, many chefs combine experience with postsecondary training.

Formal Training Programs

Aspiring chefs may pursue formal training through culinary programs offered by community colleges, universities and culinary institutes. Some chefs complete certificate programs that typically last a few months, while others earn 2-year associate's or 4-year bachelor's degrees. Culinary programs focus on in-class instruction and hands-on training in the kitchen. Courses commonly include safety and sanitation, baking and cooking techniques, food preparation and nutrition. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete internship programs.

Apprenticeship Programs

Alternatively, potential chefs could also obtain culinary knowledge through formal apprenticeships, which combine hands-on training with classroom education. Culinary schools and food-industry organizations, such as the American Culinary Federation (ACF), sponsor apprenticeships. Apprenticeship opportunities may also be available through unions affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Voluntary Certification

Professional chefs can demonstrate their culinary skills and increase their advancement opportunities by earning voluntary certification. For example, the ACF offers 14 different certification designations for culinary professionals (www.acfchefs.org). Eligibility requirements vary by level of certification but typically entail minimal amounts of work experience and postsecondary education. Qualified candidates must pass both a written and practical exam. After becoming certified, chefs must renew certification every five years by completing at least 80 continuing education hours.

Chef Career Outlook

Jobs for chefs and head cooks were expected to increase by nine percent from 2014-2024, according to the BLS. There is a high turnover rate for this occupation, but competition for the highest paying positions in fine dining and upscale establishments will be strong. Chefs and head cooks made an average salary of $45,920 annually in May 2015.

To become a chef, there is no formal education required and most work their way up from lower level kitchen positions. However, there are certificate and degree programs in the culinary arts.